VCU School of Medicine on the MCV Campus

06/07/2026

The first half of 2026 is in the books.

From celebrating the Class of 2026 and Match Day to showcasing the innovative research and everyday impact of our students, faculty and staff, this semester was filled with milestones across the VCU School of Medicine.

Take a look back at some of our favorite moments from the year so far. 📸

06/05/2026

As chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at VCU, Patricia Sime, M.D., has spent her career advancing research and treatment for pulmonary fibrosis, a disease that causes scarring in the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult. Her work helped identify a key biological pathway behind fibrosis and contributed to therapies that have expanded treatment options for patients.

Through research, patient care and education, Sime continues to advance understanding of the disease while working alongside the patients at the center of her work.

Learn more about how she is helping improve lives and driving progress toward a cure:

VCU physician-researcher Patricia Sime makes patients her partners as she expands knowledge and treatment of the lung condition.

06/04/2026

Researchers from the VCU School of Medicine are helping advance the future of translational science through two newly funded interdisciplinary pilot projects supported by the VCU Wright Center’s Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 🔬

Congratulations to Ananda Amstadter, Ph.D., Juan Pablo Arab, M.D., and their collaborators on receiving support for research aimed at improving genetic research across diverse populations and developing wearable technology to better monitor alcohol use in patients with liver disease respectively.

Read more via the Wright Center’s blog:

RICHMOND, Va. — The C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research announced today the awarding of $100,000 to four interdisciplinary research projects at Virginia Commonwealth University. These $25,000 pilot awards are funded through the Wright Center’s $27 million ...

06/03/2026

Becoming a physician-scientist requires dedication, endurance and patience. The path to earning two doctorates stretches across passions and disciplines — and, in the case of Shady Azzam and Nada Nassif, across continents.

After completing medical school in their home country of Egypt, Azzam and Nassif decided to also pursue research, with the shared goal of becoming better physicians. Driven by personal connections to medicine, the married couple left everything behind last year and moved across the globe to Richmond to begin Ph.D. programs at the VCU School of Medicine.

“With research, you can make discoveries that can change the lives of so many people,” Nassif said. “It lives beyond you.” Read more via the link in our bio 🔗

06/01/2026

David Limbrick Jr., M.D., Ph.D., pediatric neurosurgeon and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, had a research paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Following the world's largest clinical trial on treating Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, the study provides long-sought answers into the safest and most effective treatments for the two rare neurological diseases.

A nationwide study has shed new light on how to most effectively and safely treat Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, rare neurological diseases that impact both children and young adults. 

05/29/2026

A friendship forged among VCU School of Medicine alumni on Monument Avenue has grown into a scholarship that encourages future physicians to follow their calling. Endowed scholarships are opening doors and expanding what's possible for future physicians:

A friendship forged among VCU School of Medicine alumni on Monument Avenue has grown into a scholarship that encourages future physicians to follow their calling.

05/26/2026

A small act made a big impact. McGlothlin Scholar Charles Payne made history as VCU Health's first medical student to receive a TULIP Award by continuing to show up for one patient long after his clinical rotation came to a close:

M4 Charles Payne was recognized for extraordinary compassion during his OB-GYN rotation.

05/22/2026

On Wednesday, May 20, the third annual Staff Distinction Awards honored VCU employees for their outstanding contributions to the School of Medicine community. The awardees, representing administrative offices and both clinical and basic health science departments, were nominated and selected for recognition by a committee of their peers.

“You make us proud, and your exemplary work enables us to fulfill our mission to train the next generation of physicians and researchers,” Stephen Kates, M.D., interim dean of the School of Medicine, said. “Success does not happen unless everyone — faculty, students and staff — are dedicated to their jobs and committed to working together:

Four individuals and one team were recognized for their professional dedication

05/20/2026

In honor of the VCU School of Medicine Staff Distinction Awards this week, we wanted to spotlight some of the people working behind the scenes to support our students, faculty and researchers each day. 💛

05/19/2026

Stephen Kates, M.D., interim dean of the School of Medicine, was inducted as president of the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) president last week.

As part of his duties, Kates will lead AOA initiatives in the U.S. and abroad in leadership development and issues facing the specialty. In his address to the group at its annual meeting, Kates discussed the aging demographics of the U.S., the aging workforce of orthopaedic surgeons and the growing demand for musculoskeletal care. He explored potential solutions to the challenges, including workforce development, innovative care models and leadership engagement.

“I’m grateful for the leadership, advocacy and support of my colleagues, and all those who have come before me. I’m optimistic that we will rise to meet the challenges ahead and create opportunities to deliver the quality orthopaedic care that is essential to thriving and healthy communities.”

Stephen Kates, M.D., interim dean of the School of Medicine and executive vice president of medical affairs for VCU Health, will serve as president of the American Orthopaedic Association for the next year.